The former Modri striker praised Stojković for Sportklub and highlighted a key tactical change that led to a convincing 5:0 win against Kauno Žalgiris.
Dinamo demolished Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League, practically securing their place in the play-off round, where Norwegian side Viking awaits. The convincing victory was analyzed for Sportklub by legendary Stjepan Deverić, former striker and coach of the Modri, who particularly highlighted the tactical change made by coach Mario Kovačević.
The net of the guests from Lithuania was rattled by Miha Zajc, Scott McKenna, Mateo Lisica, Luka Stojković, and Lukas Kačavenda. It is precisely this variety of scorers that Deverić sees as the greatest quality of the new Dinamo squad. "Now, many more players are involved in the final third of the attack, and it is precisely this variety of scorers that is a great quality of this team," Deverić emphasized for Sportklub, adding that Beljo also played an excellent match even though he did not get on the scoresheet this time.
"That was an excellent performance by Dinamo. They completely outplayed Žalgiris and left them no room to play at all. It was a top-notch match that, I believe, brightened everyone's evening," said the legendary 'Turopoljski top,' as the unforgettable radio commentator Ivan Tomić liked to call him.
Deverić had special praise for Luka Stojković, who scored a goal and provided an assist. "Luka has shown that he is emerging as one of the main players of this team. Regardless of everything, every team feels it when such quality is missing. It simply cannot be the same," Deverić said and added: "I think Luka is imposing himself with his performances and is playing very well. Thank God, let him continue like that."
Although the lead is huge, Deverić is confident that the team will take the return leg seriously. "I think we have a good team and the players are true professionals. They don't need any special motivation because they know very well what is at stake, regardless of the result of the first match," he said.
The next opponent, Norwegian champions Viking, is not unknown to Deverić: "We know they come from Norway and that the Norwegian league is very competitive, and they are the champions of that league. They are certainly a serious opponent, and it won't be easy at all. However, Dinamo is playing well, has a positive atmosphere, and has started the championship excellently. Because of all that, justified optimism can be harbored."
Deverić also commented on the work of coach Mario Kovačević, who took over the club last summer and immediately found himself under enormous pressure. "I think he has done a quality job because he has patiently built the team from day one, and he finished the season with Dinamo winning the title with an 18-point lead, and also winning the Cup by beating Rijeka 2:0," Deverić said for Sportklub.
"Dinamo is practically a completely new team that needed time to gel, but also for the players and the coach to get to know each other and adapt to one another. I think it has all synchronized well and now everything works as it should," Deverić concluded, adding that the team's maturation is now clearly visible.
Deverić also reflected on the atmosphere from the Maksimir stands, which are soon to be demolished. "The crowd has truly become Dinamo's 12th man. They cheer the team on regardless of whether they play well or a bit worse, which was especially seen against Thun. Such positive support delights me!" he said.
Qualification for the Champions League, Deverić believes, would be the crowning achievement: "Regardless of the fact that the Europa League also brings quality opponents, the Champions League is still the Champions League, and it would certainly be the icing on the cake, especially because there is constant talk about the new stadium and everything that lies ahead. Qualifying for the Champions League would give the whole project a special seal."
The club celebrated the joyful night at Maksimir on social media as well. "The North sings the city its most beautiful ballad," the official GNK Dinamo Twitter profile posted on August 4, along with a photo of dancing stands, and a bit later a night photo of the stadium with the message: "For those who can't sleep without the traditional night photo."
